The Method

Photo by Thanutvorn Jaturong-Kavanich

When I teach Hebrew, besides covering the usual grammar, I get my students to engage in local culture, accents, slang and body language. We talk about Tel-Aviv-ness, we imitate bus drivers and we read street signs together. We analyze the lyrics of current Israeli pop hits and we work on phrases like "Excuse me, may I pet your dog?", one of the most important phrases to be used in a new country.

I enjoy teaching Hebrew one-on-one, as I can give my full attention to the needs of one person, but I never said 'no' to a few friends who were passionate about studying Hebrew together. In addition to this, I have created group walking lessons. In my Florentin Graffiti Lesson we walk and analyze text written on the walls of Florentin, my neighborhood in South Tel Aviv. Other than vocabulary and grammar, we get to learn about politics and about the Israeli psyche and society. In my special Kochav Nolad Hebrew Classes we analyze the local version of American Idol, learn Hebrew through songs, and explain the local contemporary culture and how it is manifested in the language. In Wake Up and Smell the Za'atar we read signs at the Levinsky Spice Market, and learn how to speak Hebrew in the market.

I do not have one method, as each student is a world of its own, and have other needs. One finds the binyanim impossible, another cannot deal with the masculin and feminine of Hebrew. I adjust myself to the different circumstances, and create exercises, find texts and situations which answer those changing needs of my Hebrew Rovers.